Is Palin Eyeing 2012 Presidential Run?

Alaska Governor Makes Surprise Announcement that She Is Resigning from Office

(CBS/AP)  Last updated at 11:43 p.m. EDT

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin made a surprise announcement Friday that she is resigning from office at the end of the month without explaining why she plans to step down, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate hastily called a news conference Friday morning at her home in suburban Wasilla, giving such short notice that only a few reporters actually made it to the announcement. State troopers blocked late-arriving media outside her home, and her spokesman, Dave Murrow, finally emerged to confirm that Palin will step down July 26. He refused to give details about the governor's future plans.

"Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to embrace the conventional Lame Duck status in this particular climate would just be another dose of politics as usual, something I campaigned against and will always oppose," Palin said in a statement released by her office.

"The timing and astonishing nature of Palin's announcement will naturally lead people to assume that there is more to the governor's decision to resign than she has let on, and there might well be," said CBSNews.com producer Scott Conroy, who covered Palin's vice presidential campaign last year.

"But in the months since the Republican defeat in November, the Alaska governor has shown time and again a high level of frustration with the baggage that has come with becoming such a high-profile governor and national celebrity," Conroy said. "Many of Palin's former political allies in Alaska have turned on her, and the near-constant barrage of criticism has clearly weighed on the former vice presidential candidate, as her demeanor during the emotional press conference at her lakefront home in Wasilla attests."

Pam Pryor, a spokeswoman for Palin's political action committee SarahPAC, said the group continues to accept donations on its Web site, with an uptick in funds after Palin's announcement.

The announcement caught even current and former Palin advisers by surprise. Former members of the John McCain campaign team, now dispersed across the country, traded perplexed e-mails and phone calls.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, released a statement about Palin's decision Friday evening.


"I am deeply disappointed that the Governor has decided to abandon the State and her constituents before her term has concluded," Murkowski said.


Palin was first elected in 2006 on a populist platform. But her popularity has waned as she waged in partisan politics following her return from the presidential campaign. Her term would have ended in 2010.

More coverage of Gov. Sarah Palin:
Sarah Palin Resigns
Analysis: Palin Was Fed Up

Palin said she planned to make a "positive change outside government," without elaborating. She also expressed frustration with her current role as governor.

"Her stepping down at the end of the month allows her to focus on her future political plans: a run for the 2012 presidency," said CBS News political director Steve Chaggaris. "She won't be restricted by the trappings of a faraway governor's office and the continuing firing squad from her opponents in Alaska, and won't have to worry about a potentially tough gubernatorial re-election bid in 2010."

"It will clear the deck for Palin to focus on raising money and speaking to Republicans around the country as she gears up for 2012," Chaggaris added.

"Going back to Alaska wasn't a safe haven. She sees people like Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, who aren't tethered to a political office, getting a head-start. Now she doesn't have to worry about answering to people in Alaska, and be in a more convenient situation to focus on national campaigning and establishing a base, rather being stuck in Wasilla, Juneau or Fairbanks."

Conroy points out that "she still has an enormous base of support among grassroots conservatives, who will continue to come out in droves as she seeks warmer pastures across the Lower 48.

"Though she has a big hill to climb to regain credibility in many circles, those who write off Sarah Palin's political future do so at their own peril," Conroy adds.

CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes reports that quitting to run for president is a risky and highly unconventional political gamble.

"This is very unusual, very bizarre. Governors don't just step down in the middle of their term," said Politico's Mike Allen.

But leaving the statehouse would give her freedom to travel - and political experience she could never get in Alaska, Cordes reports.

CBS News political consultant John Dickerson said that if she is planning to run for president, her decision does have some downsides.

"Her greatest card used to be to charges that she lacked depth and executive experience that she could point to her role as governor," Dickerson said. "Now, she doesn't have that anymore."

But, if she leaves the role, she can raise money for Republicans and build morale in the party, which will be key if she wants a future in the national party, Dickerson said.

"I cannot stand here as your governor and allow the millions of dollars and all that time go to waste just so I can hold the title of governor," Palin said.

Later, on Twitter, she promised supporters more details: "We'll soon attach info on decision to not seek re-election ... this is in Alaska's best interest, my family's happy ... it is good. Stay tuned"

Palin's decision even took Parnell by surprise. He said he was told on Wednesday evening, and was not aware that any presidential ambitions were behind the move.

Palin emerged from relative obscurity nearly a year ago when she was tapped as then Republican presidential candidate John McCain's running mate.

She was a controversial figure from the start, with comedian Tina Fey famously imitating her elaborate hairstyle and folksy "You betcha!" on "Saturday Night Live."

Most recently, she led a public spat with "Late Show" host David Letterman over a joke he made about one of her daughters being "knocked up" by New York Yankees baseball player Alex Rodriguez during the governor's recent visit to New York. Palin's 18-year-old daughter, Bristol, is an unwed, teenage mother.

Letterman later apologized for the joke.

Palin's family and the ridicule they endure being in the public eye was part of her decision. She complained that her 14-month-old son, Trig, who was diagnosed with Down's syndrome, had been "mocked and ridiculed by some mean-spirited adults recently." She didn't elaborate.

Palin campaigned on ethics reform in the 2006 election, defeating incumbent Gov. Frank Murkowski in the Republican primary and a former two-term Democratic governor, Tony Knowles, in the general election.

She enjoyed an extended honeymoon with lawmakers and voters alike. Her popularity was in the 80 percentile range, even though that fell after the bruising, partisan presidential campaign.

Palin's delivery of two weeks' notice rattles a Republican Party plagued with setbacks in recent weeks, including extramarital affairs disclosed by two other 2012 presidential prospects, Nevada Sen. John Ensign and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford.

Ensign, a member of the Christian ministry Promise Keepers, stepped down from the Senate Republican leadership last month after admitting he had an affair for much of last year with a woman on his campaign staff who was married to one of his Senate aides. Ensign later disclosed he had helped the woman's husband get two jobs during the affair.

A government watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, wants the Senate ethics committee and the Federal Election Commission to investigate.

Just days after news of Ensign's affair broke, Sanford admitted an affair with a woman in Argentina. Some lawmakers are now calling for his resignation. Before the admission, Sanford had been missing from the state for five days visiting his lover. He had slipped his security detail, lied to his staff about where he was and failed to transfer power to the lieutenant governor in case of a state emergency.

Sanford admitted he also saw the mistress during a state-funded trip to Argentina last year. He promised to reimburse the state for part of the trip's costs. The state Commerce Department said the trip itinerary originally included only Brazil, but the governor requested economic development meetings in Argentina.

The GOP troubles seem to have left two prominent 2012 prospects, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and 2008 presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, unscathed, however.

[jav2000]

I saw her announcement on TV twice and I still don?t understand what she said. She just seems to ramble on and on. God forbid, a presidential Candidate? Can anyone imagine her as President?

[ladypirate2]

I can and so could you if you'd really listen to her and not pick apart and try to analyze everything she says and just listen! Most of what she says really does make sense if you really pay attention and look beyond the smile and the winks and listen to what she's saying and don't analyze her speeches to death!

[ladypirate2]

by cydygitt1 July 4, 2009 8:01 AM PDT
Luckily you're in the vast MINORITY in America, that would vote for a rabid evangelical talking in tongues


It's obvious that you know nothing about talking in tongues and have probably never been in an evangelical church in your life! You really shouldn't criticise something that you don't understand and know nothing about!

For your information the tongues is one of the nine spiritual gifts given in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. They are: The word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, the gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophesy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.

[Sloughfoot]

Perhaps president of the local children's hockey league. The World's stage is tooooo tough for this deb.

[boatdocster]

"But in the months since the Republican defeat in November, the Alaska governor has shown time and again a high level of frustration with the baggage that has come with becoming such a high-profile governor and national celebrity," Conroy said.

Hmm, Sarah Palin, grade "A" legend (but only in her own mind).

High profile governor - Yes, for doing really, really stupid things.
Celebrity - Not even close.
Can't take criticism - Absolutely Yes, bailing out and leaving the folks of Alaska high and dry. A classic example of the Peter Principle.

Palin used a sports analogy to explain her decision: "I know when to pass the ball."

That's a good thing Sarah, because thinking voters are sending you to the bench...

[wogerwabbit]

Palin running in 2012 is the best thing that can happen to the democrats, it guarantees them a win.

[wogerwabbit]

Palin running in 2012 is the best thing that can happen to the democrats, it guarantees them a win.

[ladypirate2]

by cydygitt1 July 4, 2009 8:07 AM PDT
"If they so desire they will be able to attend the best universities in the country, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, etc."
---------------------------

Sorry, but without family as alumni in Ivy League schools like the bush monkey, they hardly have what it takes to get accepted!


All I'm going to say to is that money speaks! You can get into any college in the world if your family gives them enough money or donates a million or two to their sports department or to medical school or school of law, etc.

[ladypirate2]

by cydygitt1 July 4, 2009 8:01 AM PDT
Luckily you're in the vast MINORITY in America, that would vote for a rabid evangelical talking in tongues!

You will see just how much in the MINORITY that we are NOT in the next election! Obama's popularity is fading! Also you obviously don't know it but evangelical churches are the fastest growing churches in the world! Many of them are mega churches with congregations of thousands and we vote!

[carolhill814]

I have never like that woman at all I wouldn't want her to be President nor Vice President because she quit her office because she no longer wanted to that job?
What would happen if she got bored with being President because she didn't like the politics leave there to I don't think so.
I think the heat about the killing of the innocent wolves got to great for her plus what she did to her exson-in-law that wasn't right either.
If people voted for her you would have to be blind and couldn't see but that is the way I feel.

[ladypirate2]

What did you say when Bill Clinton quit his job as governor to run for president? As I recall he was under some heat, too, with the Whitewater scandal! He and Hilary were under investigation in the White water scandal because they were thought to have bilked several people out of thousands of dollars in a real estate scam on the White river in northern Arkansas! Nothing was said when he resigned as governor to run for president though! You democrats have a double standard! You think it's just fine when you do something wrong but when a republican does the exact same thing you think they are all wrong and you jump all over them!

And another thing, wolves in Alaska aren't that innocent! They kill the moose, elk, and cariboo that the Alaskans depend on for food. Also Levi Johnston refused to get a job and support his son. I don't consider buying an occasional package of diapers to be support! If he wants more access to his son then he should get up off his lazy ### and go to work! Even a minimum wage job flipping hamburgers beats no job at all! I don't blame the Palins at all for limiting his access to his son! He doesn't deserve to see him if he won't support him!

[incog-nito]

Makes a lot of sense actually. If she become president of the U.S. and find that she can't handle the job, she can always call it quits like she's doing now.

[cs4466]

The Witch of Wasilla
Scary Sarah
Caribou Barbie


... I'm going to miss her. Politics was so much more entertaining when she was a part of it. I do feel a bit sorry for the Alaskan wolves though. She'll probably go back to shooting them from helicopters full time now. Since that is her "sport".

[boxerguy]

Truly sad that Caribou Barbie is stepping down. Maybe it's all a Republican idea for her to do so? Since she's been continually looking like the dimwit that she is by continuing as Governor. As much as she loves to hunt, it's a wonder she hasn't accidentally shot herself yet...

[DoubleHappiness88]

RUN SARAH, RUN! If the GOP has not already self-inflicted a mortal wound, a Palin presidential nomination should be just what the country needs. RUN SARAH, RUN!

SARAH PALIN: POSTER GIRL FOR...ALL BREAST, NO BRAINS

[chitown639]

Sarah Palin is too dumb to be a governor anyway!!!

[actornaught]

Go! Sarah GO!! YAY for SARAH!!!

No no, keep going... Yes sweetheart, go on... buh bye...

[EG51]

Good Choice Sarah! She says she doesn't want to be a lame duck governor and "milk" a pay check from Alaskans. Like that governor that traveled to Kosovo, Indiana, South Carolina, New York, etc! 9 out of 10 times I hear about her she's visiting another state or country? LOL And even as she resigns her post she still cannot attribute her "quotes" to the right person? "But at another point she invoked a military quotation, misattributing it to Gen. Douglas MacArthur, in what seemed to be an effort to wave aside any suggestion that she was abandoning the fight. ?He said, ?We?re not retreating; we are advancing in another direction,? ? she said. (The remark was actually said by Maj. Gen. Oliver Prince Smith.) "
Her flighty intelligence (or lack of) cost McCain the presidency and she should just stay home and raise her family because they need her alot more than the American public does!

[ladypirate2]

No the only thing that cost McCain the presidency was McCain himself. He was his own worst enemy! If it hadn't been for Sarah Palin he wouldn't have received nearly as many votes as he did!

[grumpas]

Only an moron of a conservative would vote for her! Look what they voted into office twice in 2000 and 2004! That seems to be a requirement to run for President in the Republican Party. As long as you are a fundamentalist Christian and a idiot they will vote for you.

[actornaught]

It us unsettling to consider the 'why' to all the weakminded 'pub presidential candidates. You have to go back to Ike to find someone that had the legitimate intellectual capacity to be a fully functioning national leader, instead of a phony one, like ronnie and all his empty sloganeering.

[txlakeside]

Quiters never win! Especially when they are dumb as dirt!

[oftencensord]

Good for Sarah !
People assume they can dish out as much cr*p to political leaders as they want and have no consequences... and that may be true....But dish out the same lies to a private citizen and you will have your hiny dragged into court for slander. Does any one doubt this ?

I would expect to see rigorous legal action, defense against exploitative use of the Palin family name, law suits against people publicly attacking her children, law suits against bloggers knowingly spreading lies, law suits against the entertainment industry/news media for making money using her name without permission.

If anybody has the evidence, ability, and the means to take on the news media/entertainment industry, it would be Sarah Palin. And she could not do this as a sitting Governor.

So be careful POSTERS, your first amendment rights do not include the right to spread lies about a private citizen. Don't think you anonymity is safe here on the boards either, CBS would sell you out in a second.

[cydygitt1]

"So be careful POSTERS, your first amendment rights do not include the right to spread lies about a private citizen."
----------------------

You foxnewsus propagandus homosapien subspecies do it on a daily basis as you spread the same idiotic LIES and INUENDO about President Obama, so what's the difference?

[karenjohns]

Come on you all. It's perfectly obvious to me that she has accepted one of those 10 million dollar FOX news commentator jobs from Rupert Murdock. She will come on opposite Larry King Live by the Fall season.